(Getty)
In one of the most surprising trades in recent baseball memory, the Colorado Rockies traded shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
News of the trade broke on Twitter early on Tuesday morning, ahead of the MLB’s July 31 trade deadline.
Here’s what you need to know about the move:
1. Tulowitzki Was Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays
BREAKING: Tulo traded to #BlueJays.
After reports broke that Tulowitzki, one of the top shortstops in the MLB, had been dealt to the Blue Jays, the biggest question facing fans and analysts alike revolved around what the Rockies got out of the deal. That answer was not far behind as rumors began circulating that Toronto would give up shortstop Jose Reyes in the deal.
Since Start of 2012 season
Troy Tulowitzki: 351 games played, 13.1 WAR
Jose Reyes: 465 games played, 9.4 WAR
FOX baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal added that several other Blue Jays minor leaguers were involved in the trade as well.
2. Tulowitzki’s Numbers Have Been All-Star Caliber This Season
(Getty)
The former first round pick has been nothing short of impressive this season. In 86 games played this year, Tulowitzki is averaging .305 with a .353 on base percentage and 52 RBI. He had 52 RBI all of last season after battling through injuries.
Tulo’s .831 OPS is basically same home and away this year.
As if that weren’t enough, Tulowitzki has struck out just 72 times in 318 at bats and connected on 12 home runs.
He was added to the All-Star game lineup this year, replacing the injured Dee Gordon. Although Tulowitzki would have liked to have gotten into the game on his own merit, he still appreciated the honor, telling MLB.com:
I hate to get in that way because it’s at someone’s expense, but at the same time, an All-Star Game is an All-Star Game. I’ll enjoy it. I’ll have fun. They’re always a good time. It’s an honor, and I definitely don’t take it lightly.
3. Earlier Reports Claimed Tulowitzki Was Not on the Trading Block
(Getty)
According to Ken Rosenthal, just a few hours before he was dealt to Toronto, Tulowitzki’s name was being kept firmly out of Colorado’s trade discussions. The New York Mets had been eagerly searching for a player like Tulowitzki and had sought to deal with the Rockies.
The Rockies were, decidedly, uninterested. At least they were then.
4. Tulowitzki Will Receive $2 Million in an Assignment Bonus
(Getty)
As far as the shortstop is concerned, he got a pretty good deal.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Tulowitzki will receive $2 million in an assignment bonus for his trade to Colorado and his contract now converts to include a full no-trade clause from here on out. In other words, Tulowitzki is going to be in Toronto for awhile.
Tulowitzki carried a massive contract with the Rockies and is owed a guaranteed $110 million through 2020. He’ll also turn 31 in October and has yet to play a full season in his previous nine years in the MLB.
5. Toronto’s Offense Has Been Dominant This Year
(Getty)
The Blue Jays aren’t exactly having trouble putting bat on ball this season. Collectively, the squad is hitting .262 with an on base percentage of .330. Three batters are hitting over .300 and 11 are hitting over .250 and the team is first in the entire MLB in runs scored.
Now, Tulowitzki is joining the hitting parade and he’s got the numbers to feel pretty good about his at-base future. Check it out:
Troy Tulowitzki Last 3 seasons:
Coors Field: 1.028 OPS
Elsewhere: .822 OPS
(however, he is headed to hitter-friendly Rogers Centre)
There were some questions as to why Toronto would deal for a player like Tulowitzki. The Jays can obviously hit but the team could also use a pitcher and Reyes was earning a good amount of money to play shortstop. Sports can be a funny thing sometimes.